Become a Maker of Lists.

Ever feel overwhelmed? Have too much on your plate? Are you constantly thinking about your to-do list in your head, mentally running through the things that have yet to be completed? Man, that can get stressful and keep you up at night.

Luckily, there's an easy solution! Make a list.

Seems elementary, I know - but this shit works. When you write things down, you quiet the mental chatter and are able to savor the moments and live in the present. Because you're more organized, there's less stress, more productivity, and more efficiency.

Whether you're writing down goals or making a grocery list - the benefits are equal. Let's delve into some reasons list-making is a habit everyone should develop (List Producer).

Reduce Anxiety.

When you're constantly thinking about what you have to do and how little time you have to do it, you stress yourself out. When you document it, it qualms some of the anxiety and allows you to focus on one task at a time.

Boost Brain Power.

That's right. Making a list makes you smarter. It's my secret power. When making a list, you use a part of your brain that might not normally get used and stay sharp as you organize your life.

Improve Focus.

Lists act as roadmaps. When you have it planned out, you can prioritize easier and keep track of what needs to get done. You'll soon find that by having a tool to help you focus in all aspects of life, you get much more done throughout the day and have more time to do things that bring you joy.

Increase Self-Esteem.

When you cross something off a list, you get a little surge of dopamine (a happy chemical) that leaves you with a sense of accomplishment. This feeling keeps you motivated and productive; leaving you with more confidence overall.

Organize Thoughts.

I'm a fan of writing everything down - mostly because my memory kind of sucks, so if I don't, I forget. Plus when I write down the steps of what I need to accomplish, I feel much more prepared to tackle the task; step by step. When you write a list, you declutter your mind and your thoughts become less jumbled in all areas of life.

There are several different ways to keep track of your lists: sticky notes, keeping a planner, a whiteboard, or an app on your phone. I'm a fan of the last one. Let's be honest, you always have your phone on you. When your list is digital, you can instantly add to it when something crosses your mind and refer to it when you want to remember something. Plus, it's a more eco-friendly and organized method of list-making than others.

The things you can make lists of are endless. Here are some of mine to spark some inspiration:

• Daily to-dos (be reasonable, don't stress yourself out by setting unobtainable goals)

• Things I'd like to get done but aren't necessary

• Groceries

• Gifts to buy

• Things to pack

• Books to read

• Goals for the year (career, finance, travel, self-improvement, etc.)

The apps I use to keep track of my lists and priorities are my calendar and Remind Me. To each their own, but I guarantee once you start making lists, you'll be happier, more productive, and less anxious.

Need some help with habit building in this fickle thing we call life? Need some assistance with accountability? Sign up for a session with me, and A Fickle Life Coaching will get you there in no time!